Ink firm prints excellent progress report for MP

Cheadle-based Ink Technologies UK Ltd (ITL) will show local MP, Mark Hunter, how it has used government support to blot out the pressures of recession and expand internationally.

The small business, whose innovative inkjet inks are sold to digital printers worldwide, has worked with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West at The Manufacturing Institute to boost productivity by 20% and double machine productivity.

Mark Hunter, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader, will hear how MAS has helped the company add £56,000 to its bottom line and safeguard jobs.

ITL's inks are used in colourful pitch-side banners at many English Premiership football grounds, and are used by famous brands such as Coca-Cola, Kellogg's, Nestle and Pirelli to code and mark their products.

Robin Titterington, Managing Director of Ink Technologies, said: "We have ambitions to double our turnover in the next three years and the help and advice of MAS has been invaluable in improving our business and creating the right platform for growth.

"They coached us in lean manufacturing techniques to ensure we work smarter and use our machinery more efficiently. I was sceptical at first, but the support was very practical and focused on our specific needs. It made our people realise we were serious about business improvement and encouraged them to get fully involved. We are now in a position where we are recruiting new people."

Mark said: "I like to visit local businesses on a regular basis to see what I can do to help. Ink Technologies are an important local employer and I am looking forward to my visit."

ITL, which exports 75 per cent of its products, is also developing its people through Manufacturing Institute programmes, such as LEAD, which develops leadership skills in growing small businesses.